Packages having isolated handle structures and blanks therefor

ABSTRACT

A package can include a handle structure defining a finger pocket between a barrier and a handle. The barrier can be between an interior space of the package and the handle. A blank can be configured to form such a package, for example.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/165,301, filed Mar. 24, 2021, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to packages having handles.

BACKGROUND

Traditional packages, e.g., cartons with structural handles, can include holes that a user can punch out and/or insert fingers through into an interior space of the package. Such handle openings allow a user's fingers to contact contents of a package unintentionally, potentially compromising the product.

Such conventional methods and systems have generally been considered satisfactory for their intended purpose. However, there is still a need in the art for improved packages. The present disclosure provides a solution for this need.

SUMMARY

A package can include a handle structure defining a finger pocket between a barrier and a handle. The barrier can be between an interior space of the package and the handle.

The pocket can be sized to allow insertion of a plurality of a user's fingers at least partially therein. Any other suitable size is contemplated herein.

In certain embodiments, the package can be formed from a single piece blank. However, any suitable number of pieces are contemplated herein.

The package can include a plurality of handle structures. Any suitable number (e.g., one, two, three, four) of handle structures are contemplated herein.

In certain embodiments, the handle can be defined by at least one handle wall having a handle opening line. The handle opening line can be a cut line or a weakened line, for example.

In certain embodiments, the package can include a punch out handle portion defined by the handle opening line. The package can include a handle fold line connected to the handle line such that the punch out handle portion folds along the handle fold line.

The handle fold line can be along a corner of the package, for example. Any other suitable location is contemplated herein.

In certain embodiments, the handle opening line can form a U-shape, for example. Any other suitable shape is contemplated herein.

In certain embodiments, the handle wall can be an outermost wall. In certain embodiments, the handle wall can be at least partially underneath an outer panel. In certain embodiments, the handle fold line can be aligned with an edge of the outer panel such that the punch out handle folds behind the outer panel to form an at least three layer thick handle.

The barrier can be angled between a first barrier base wall and a second barrier base wall. In certain embodiments, the barrier can be foldably attached to the handle wall. For example, the first barrier base can be the handle wall.

In certain embodiments, the second barrier base can extend from the barrier away from the handle wall. In certain embodiments, the second barrier base can extend from the barrier toward the handle wall.

In certain embodiments, the package can include an exterior handle panel disposed over the handle wall. The exterior handle panel can include an exterior handle placed complimentary with the handle of the handle wall to form a reinforced handle.

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a blank can be configured to form a package as disclosed herein, e.g., as described above. For example, a blank for a package can be configured to form a handle structure defining a finger pocket between a barrier and a handle. The barrier can be configured to be formed between an interior space of the package and the handle. The blank can be a single piece.

These and other features of the embodiments of the subject disclosure will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those skilled in the art to which the subject disclosure appertains will readily understand how to make and use the devices and methods of the subject disclosure without undue experimentation, embodiments thereof will be described in detail herein below with reference to certain figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a structure in accordance with this disclosure, showing a handle portion in a closed position;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A, showing the handle portion in the open position;

FIGS. 1C and 1D are perspective views of the embodiment of FIG. 1B, showing a portion of the handle panel folded inward;

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with this disclosure configured to form the structure of FIG. 1A, shown having four handles;

FIGS. 3A and 3B shows an embodiment of a package in accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG. 2, shown having four handles, one at each corner;

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with this disclosure similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2, shown having two handles;

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an embodiment of a package in accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7A-7D show another embodiment of a structure in accordance with this disclosure, wherein FIGS. 7A and 7B show a cross-sectional view having the handle portion in an closed position and an open position, respectively, and wherein FIGS. 7C and 7D show perspective views from outside and inside the structure, wherein FIG. 7D shows a barrier in a cutaway view;

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 9A and 9B show an embodiment of a package in accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 11A and 11B show an embodiment of a package in accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12A and 12B show an embodiment of a structure in accordance with this disclosure, shown having an off-corner hinged handle portion, shown in the closed position in FIG. 12A and in the open position in FIG. 12B;

FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 show certain embodiments of structures in accordance with this disclosure, wherein FIG. 13 shows an open corner post, FIG. 14 shows a closed corner post, and

FIG. 15 shows a complex corner post, the corner posts forming the barrier, for example;

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C show an embodiment of a package in accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C show an embodiment of a package in accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C show an embodiment of a package in accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C show an embodiment of a package in accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D show an embodiment of a package in accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with this disclosure; and

FIGS. 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D show an embodiment of a package in accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG. 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject disclosure. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, an illustrative view of an embodiment of a structure in accordance with the disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, and is designated generally by reference character 100. Other embodiments and/or aspects of this disclosure are shown in FIGS. 2A-27D.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-27C generally, and specifically to FIGS. 1A-1D, a package (e.g., package 300, 600, 900, 1100, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2300, 2500, 2700) can include a handle structure 100 defining a finger pocket 101 between a barrier 103 and a handle 105. As shown, the barrier 103 can be between an interior space 107 of the package and the handle 105.

It is contemplated that any suitable embodiment of a structure disclosed herein (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7D, as shown in FIGS. 12A-15, and/or as shown in any other Figs.) can be incorporated into any suitable package. The package can be any suitable package for any suitable use (e.g., for storing sensitive items in the interior space 107 that can be damaged, made unsafe, or degraded by being touched in shipping or carrying the package).

The pocket 101 can be sized to allow insertion of a plurality of a user's fingers at least partially therein. Any other suitable size is contemplated herein.

In certain embodiments, the package (e.g., package 300, 600, 900, 1100, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2300, 2500, 2700) can be formed from a single piece blank (e.g., blanks 200, 500, 800, 1000, 1600, 1800, 2000, 2200, 2400, 2600, respectively). However, any suitable number of pieces are contemplated herein. As shown in the drawings, solid lines indicate cut line, and dashed lines indicate a fold line.

The package can include a plurality of handle structures (e.g., two or more). Any suitable number (e.g., one, two, three, four) of handle structures are contemplated herein.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-3B, in certain embodiments, the handle 105 can be defined by at least one handle wall 109 having a handle opening line 111. The handle opening line 111 can be a cut line (e.g., as shown) or a weakened line (e.g., a line that can be broken by the user pushing in handle portion 113), for example.

In certain embodiments, the structure 100 can include a punch out handle portion 113 defined by the handle opening line 111. The structure 100 can include a handle fold line 115 connected to the handle opening line 111 such that the punch out handle portion 113 folds along the handle fold line 115.

As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-4, for example, the handle fold line 115 can be along (e.g., colinear with) a corner of the package, for example. Any other suitable location is contemplated herein.

In certain embodiments, the handle opening line 111 can form a U-shape, for example. Any other suitable shape is contemplated herein.

In certain embodiments, the handle wall 109 can be an outermost wall, e.g., as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-6. In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7A-27D, the handle wall can be at least partially underneath an outer panel. In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7A-7D, the handle fold line 715 can be aligned with an edge of the outer panel 717 such that the punch out handle 713 folds behind the outer panel 717 to form an at least three layer thick handle (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7D).

As shown in FIG. 1A, in certain embodiments, the barrier 103 can be angled between a first barrier base wall 119 and a second barrier base wall 121. In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in FIG. 14, the barrier 1403 can be foldably attached to the handle wall 1409. For example, the first barrier base 1419 can be the handle wall 1409.

As shown in FIG. 1A, for example, in certain embodiments, the second barrier base 121 can extend from the barrier 103 away from the handle wall 109. In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in FIG. 14, the second barrier base 1421 can extend from the barrier 1403 toward the handle wall 1409.

In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 16-27D, referring to FIG. 21A as an example, the structure can include an exterior handle panel 2123 disposed over the handle wall 2109. The exterior handle panel 2123 can include an exterior handle 2125 placed complimentary with the handle 2105 of the handle wall 2105 to form a reinforced handle (e.g., at least two layers thick).

The structure and/or package incorporating the structure can include any other suitable features disclosed herein (e.g., as shown in the figures). Any other suitable features are contemplated herein.

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a blank (e.g., blanks 200, 500, 800, 1000, 1600, 1800, 2000, 2200, 2400, 2600, respectively) can be configured to form a package as disclosed herein, e.g., as described above. For example, a blank for a package can be configured to form a handle structure defining a finger pocket between a barrier and a handle. The barrier can be configured to be formed between an interior space of the package and the handle. The blank can be a single piece.

Embodiments can include a mitered minor flap that creates an open void area at a corner. In certain embodiments, a hinged handle portion can be folded inward creating two or three layer handle. Embodiments can include an on-corner or off-corner hinged handle portion.

Embodiments can include a reinforced full overlay (FOL) tray wrap with an internal mitered minor flap forming a barrier. Embodiments of a package can include one or more handles (e.g., two, four) at one or more corners of the package. Embodiments can include a single lid design. Embodiments can include an off corner reinforced isolated handle configuration. Embodiments can include an off corner hinged panel feature that can allow folding of the handle portion inward against the barrier, which can alleviate interference when folded the panel into a tight fitting space.

Certain embodiments can include a triangulated corner post configuration (e.g., forming the handle and barrier). For example, three corner post structures can be utilized with the isolated, reinforced handle; an open triangle (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13), a closed triangle (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14, and a complex corner post design (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15). The reinforced hand holes may be located at the end or outer corners of the pack, or may be an off-corner style as disclosed above. Unlike certain mitered minor styles of tray wraps, which may have the outside full overlap (FOL) flaps and additional connected outer flange that creates the external corner to fully enclose the space, the corner post structure can fully enclose the void by itself. The FOL side or end flaps can then be used as extra layers that can also include cut outs or hinged panels to allow the handle to be created.

Embodiments include a structural handling/carrying feature that can be incorporated into a specific one piece, side or end flapped FOL tray wrap design. Embodiments isolates a void area created by a mitered portion of the inner minor flap or triangular corner post, into which the fingers are inserted into the carton through a hinged panel and contact with the product is prevented. Embodiments can have particular application with package structures that have Full Overlap (FOL) Side or End flaps and that have an additional flap that creates an outer corner, as it helps to fully enclose void area, isolating it from the outside environment, until the hinged panel is pushed inward. FOL Tray Wrap structures may also be used in conjunction with Triangulated Corner Post structures, e.g., an Open Triangle, a Closed Triangle or a Complex Corner Post design. These designs can be used with standard tray wraps with FOL end or side flaps, but can also include those wraps with the exterior outer corners.

The handling feature can be achieved through the use of a hinged and perforated/nicked outlined panel, positioned near the end/s of the pack, adjacent to the internal void areas. When pushed from the outside these panel/s fold inward into the void, allowing the fingers to rest flat against the end or side vertical walls of the pack. When used with an off-corner design variation, the fingers can extend inward and the fingertips of the handler may engage the internal end or side walls. The design of the hinged folding panels may take several variations, including on which side it is hinged, may include additional folds or cuts to allow the panel to fold inward with less interference from the small space of the void. In some constructions there may be a layered set of panels, overlaying each other that must be folded inward in some fashion to execute the desired grip for the worker.

In FOL Designs where an outer corner flange is attached to the exterior FOL End or Side Flaps, the exterior corner flange can be adhered to the outside of an adjacent side or end panel. With these designs, this overlay area creates a cross corrugation section of the Tray Wrap design. The hinged portion, when folded inward 180 degrees, overlays the adjacent side or end panel and the external corner flap, creating a three layer thickness. This laminated cross corrugation section at the handle area can create a superior strength, tear resistant handle area when compared to other structures previously used. In addition, the isolated corner feature provides a critical advantage in that it prevents any possible contact of a user's fingers with the product within.

In view of this disclosure, one having ordinary skill in the art appreciates how to form one or more packages (e.g., as shown in the drawings) from the blanks shown. Any suitable adhesive can be applied to any suitable panel disclosed herein for any suitable purpose. Any suitable foldable line types are contemplated herein (e.g., perforated, creased, cut/creased, etc.). While the figures may include a legend indicating the line types of the embodiments of the figures, any other suitable line types for the lines shown in the drawings are contemplated herein. Any other suitable panel arrangement (e.g., more or less panels in any suitable location) is contemplated herein.

While embodiments have been described and shown above, any suitable panels and/or other design for a blank to form a package as disclosed above is contemplated herein. Any suitable material for use (e.g., paper, cardboard, plastic board, etc.) and/or one or more combinations thereof are contemplated herein.

Those having ordinary skill in the art understand that any numerical values disclosed herein can be exact values or can be values within a range. Further, any terms of approximation (e.g., “about”, “approximately”, “around”) used in this disclosure can mean the stated value within a range. For example, in certain embodiments, the range can be within (plus or minus) 20%, or within 10%, or within 5%, or within 2%, or within any other suitable percentage or number as appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art (e.g., for known tolerance limits or error ranges).

The articles “a”, “an”, and “the” as used herein and in the appended claims are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.”

Any suitable combination(s) of any disclosed embodiments and/or any suitable portion(s) thereof are contemplated herein as appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure.

The embodiments of the present disclosure, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for improvement in the art to which they pertain. While the subject disclosure includes reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A package, comprising: a handle structure defining a finger pocket between a barrier and a handle, wherein the barrier is between an interior space of the package and the handle.
 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the pocket is sized to allow insertion of a plurality of a user's fingers at least partially therein.
 3. The package of claim 1, wherein the package is formed from a single piece blank.
 4. The package of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of handle structures.
 5. The package of claim 1, wherein the handle is defined by at least one handle wall having a handle opening line.
 6. The package of claim 5, wherein the handle opening line is a cut line or a weakened line.
 7. The package of claim 6, further comprising a punch out handle portion defined by the handle opening line.
 8. The package of claim 7, further comprising a handle fold line connected to the handle line such that the punch out handle portion folds along the handle fold line.
 9. The package of claim 8, wherein the handle fold line is along a corner of the package.
 10. The package of claim 9, wherein the handle opening line forms a U-shape.
 11. The package of claim 10, wherein the handle wall is an outermost wall.
 12. The package of claim 6, wherein the handle wall is at least partially underneath an outer panel.
 13. The package of claim 12, wherein the handle fold line is aligned with an edge of the outer panel such that the punch out handle folds behind the outer panel to form an at least three layer thick handle.
 14. The package of claim 1, wherein the barrier can be angled between a first barrier base wall and a second barrier base wall.
 15. The package of claim 14, wherein the barrier is foldably attached to the handle wall.
 16. The package of claim 15, wherein the first barrier base is the inner handle wall.
 17. The package of claim 16, wherein the second barrier base extends from the barrier away from the handle wall.
 18. The package of claim 15, wherein the second barrier base extends from the barrier toward the handle wall.
 19. The package of claim 17, further comprising an exterior handle panel disposed over the handle wall, the exterior handle panel including an exterior handle placed complimentary with the handle of the handle wall to form a reinforced handle.
 20. A blank configured to form a package of claim
 1. 21. A blank for a package configured to form a handle structure defining a finger pocket between a barrier and a handle, wherein the barrier is configured to be formed between an interior space of the package and the handle.
 22. The blank of claim 21, wherein the blank is a single piece. 